Vince Young gets a new team

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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills have agreed to a one-year contract to sign free agent quarterback Vince Young, providing them an established backup and a bona fide threat in their wildcat formations.

The Bills announced the deal on Friday, a little over a week after 2006 NFL offensive rookie of the year worked out for the team at its facility.

A person familiar with the contract provided the length of the deal, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the Bills do not release those figures. Citing a league source, ESPN.com reported the contract is worth $2 million with another $1 million available in playing-time bonuses.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 232 pounds, Young has a strong arm and is also presents dual threat as a runner, a combination that has the potential of complementing head coach Chan Gailey’s offensive attack.

General manager Buddy Nix said the addition of Young will create more competition at the backup spot behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick. Young will compete with returning backup Tyler Thigpen for the No. 2 position.

“He brings with him some unique physical abilities that most are aware of, and that will make the competition interesting,” Nix said. “It’s all about improving our team.”

The move created a buzz in town, overshadowing the start of the team’s three-day rookie minicamp.

Young’s publicist, Denise White, said the player is scheduled to arrive in Buffalo either Sunday evening or Monday morning.

She also released a statement from Young, who said: “Thanks to Buddy Nix and Coach Gailey for giving me the opportunity to come in and play and compete. I am looking forward to playing with the guys and helping where I am needed.”

Young, who turns 29 next week, has been biding his time to determine the next step of his career after he completed his one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. He struggled as Michael Vick’s backup last season, finishing with four touchdowns and nine interceptions in six games, and was sacked eight times in six games, including three starts.

He’s had an up-and-down career since being selected third overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2006 NFL draft. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Titans, but eventually lost his starting job on several occasions in Tennessee before the team ran out of patience with him.

Overall, he has a 31-19 record in 50 career starts, with 8,964 yards passing and 1,459 yards rushing. He’s thrown for 46 touchdowns while throwing 51 interceptions. He also has 12 touchdowns rushing.

For Buffalo, it’s the latest offseason splash made by a team attempting to make a serious bid at becoming competitive and ending a 12-year playoff drought — the NFL’s longest active streak.

The traditionally cost-conscious Bills have been free-spenders this offseason after signing free agent defensive end Mario Williams to a six-year, $100 million contract, the most expensive contract awarded an NFL defensive player. They were also able to re-sign starting receiver Stevie Johnson before he became a free agent. Last week, they also awarded starting running back Fred Jackson a two-year contract extension.

Note: The former UT star and Houston native definitely makes this list below.